By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE — President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, while addressing a press conference against load-shedding and the decision to close markets at 8 PM, said that the business community is facing unnecessary harassment and the alleged misuse of powers by PERA should be urgently reviewed.
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He stated that losses to traders in the name of saving electricity are unacceptable and business activities must be protected. Traders have never demanded electricity generation through oil, therefore decisions should be made according to ground realities.
He also said that solar energy production has reached 8,000 megawatts, but administrative issues still persist.
He termed the procedure related to PERA-led lockdowns ineffective and flawed, demanding immediate review.
Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol said that incidents of verbal abuse, scuffles, and even firing during market closures are unfortunate, while capital is draining out of the country and investment will not return without improving the business environment.
He stressed that harassment must end and Pakistan should learn from the business models of Gulf countries such as Dubai. He further demanded facilitation for the real estate and investment sectors to retain capital within the country.
He noted that rising oil prices are increasing inflation, and closure of businesses will further raise poverty. He emphasized that the self-respect of the business community must be ensured and they should be allowed to operate freely.
Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh said that industries are facing severe load-shedding, making it difficult to fulfill export orders, and added that the EV policy cannot succeed without reliable electricity.
Vice President Khurram Lodhi said that FIRs should not be registered against traders.
